e. This is
destined some day to be a great city. It has a favorable location,
is the great mining center, and the State, I feel convinced, has an
immense territory fit for agricultural purposes. Lots here may
fluctuate, but they will go up a good deal higher than present
figures."

"If you think so, Mr. Morgan, I will leave in your hands three
thousand dollars for investment in other lots. This will leave me,
including my profits from the business during my absence, nearly
three thousand dollars more, which I shall take East and invest
there."

"I will follow your instructions, Joe, and predict that your real
estate investments will make you rich sooner than you think."

"Joe," said Bickford, "I've a great mind to leave half of my money
with Mr. Morgan to be invested in the same way."

"Do it, Mr. Bickford. That will leave you enough to use at home."

"Yes--I can buy a farm for two thousand dollars and stock it for five
hundred more. Besides, I needn't pay more than half down, if I don't
want to."

"A good plan," said Joe.

"Mr. Morgan, will you take my money and invest it for me just like
Joe's? Of course I want you to take a commission for doing it."

"With pleasure, Mr. Bickford, more especially as I have decided to
open a real estate office in addition to my regular business. You
and Joe will be my first customers. I shouldn't wonder if the two or
three thousand dollars you leave with me should amount in ten years
to ten thousand."

"Ten thousand!" ejaculated Joshua, elated. "Won't I swell round
Pumpkin Holler when I'm worth ten thousand dollars!"

Six days later, among the passengers by the steamer for Panama, were
Joseph Mason and Joshua Bickford.

CHAPTER XL

JOE'S WELCOME HOME

On arriving in New York both Joe and Mr. Bickford bought new suits of
clothes. Mr. Bickford purchased a blue dress suit, resplendent with
brass buttons, and a gold watch and chain, which made a good deal of
show for the money. His tastes were still barbaric, and a quiet suit
of black would not have come up to his idea of what was befitting a
successful California miner.

He surveyed himself before the tailor's glass with abundant
satisfaction.

"I guess that'll strike 'em at home, eh, Joe?" he said.

"You look splendid, Mr. Bickford."

"Kinder scrumptious, don't I?"

"Decidedly so."

"I say, Joe, you'd better have a suit made just like this."

Joe shuddered at the thought. In refinement of t